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Preetam Sengupta showcases melodic storytelling talent

Guelph-based singer-songwriter performs at River Run Centre Friday, February 2

GUELPH, ON January 18, 2018 – Guelph-based singer-songwriter Preetam Sengupta will bring his moving brand of melodic storytelling to the stage at River Run Centre on Friday, February 2, at 8 p.m. The Co-operators Hall performance is presented as part of the Borealis Music Series; celebrating the strength and diversity of Canadian musicians.

Known for finely crafted songs that offer a glint of hope and touch of melancholy, Sengupta has been compared to Paul Simon, gaining a reputation on the strength of outstanding performances at venues from major festival stages to house concerts. Most recently, Sengupta spent November touring Canada’s East Coast, performing 17 shows over 25 days.

Sengupta’s latest album, Patience, showcases his vocal and acoustic guitar talents on memorable songs including Dream a Little, Dear Alice and the title track, Patience. His live show is built around a simple performance and playful stage banter.

Patience is both the title of Sengupta’s new recording and a skill he was required to exercise in its release. Following his debut album, 2011’s HopeFull, a health issue set Sengupta back. He underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour in 2015, after which he had to re-learn how to play and sing his songs, unsure he would ever write another. In time, Sengupta found his way back to health and the stage.

In September, Sengupta’s song Dream a Little was named winner of the Songs From the Heart Award in the children’s category from Folk Music Ontario. Dream a Little has also been illustrated into a soon-to-be available children’s book.

“I’m not a “children’s” performer per se, but I’m humbled to be recognized in this category by Folk Music Ontario, an organization that’s near and dear to me,” Sengupta said upon winning the award. “I think we all benefit from dreaming a little, envisioning a better world for ourselves and the seven generations ahead.”

Sengupta is also the driving force behind Letting Artists Make Art – or LAMA – a Guelph-based organization dedicated to helping musicians make a living through their music. Listen to Patience and more of Sengupta’s music on Spotify or iTunes.

We would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Tickets to see Preetam Sengupta cost $29 for adults, $27 for seniors and students. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. $5 eyeGO tickets are available to high school students with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at River Run Centre box office, 35 Woolwich St. in Guelph, by calling 519-763-3000, or online at riverrun.ca/preetam-sengupta.